Sparring has always been an essential part of every style of martial arts, which is a system of codified practices and traditions of training for combat. It is generally considered for exhibitions and tournaments for one specific purpose, which is to determine the person's level of skill in particular contexts.



There are two main categories of martial arts sparring: light or medium contact sparring and full contact sparring. Both of these forms are used in training and competitions, each with a clear set of common rules.

Participants in light or medium contact martial arts sparring use a points-based system focusing on light to medium contact on a marked area of the body. These competitors are required to wear foam padding and other types of sparring gear.

There are certain parts of the body that are forbidden for contact and require the protection of martial arts sparring gear. Participants must always protect the face and groin. To offer further protection, certain techniques may be prohibited in light or medium contact martial arts. Competitors who are able so perform the solid landing of the employed techniques are generally awarded match points.

Conversely, the full-contact version of martial arts sparring is often pursued by those martial arts practitioners who share the same interest in a realistic unarmed combat. Here, you'd likely notice a lack of martial arts sparring gear.

For example, in Kyokushin, which is a style of karate, the practitioners fight or engage in martial arts sparring wearing no more than a light martial arts sparring gear item such as a groin guard. What is considered important here is the use of full force in order to disable the opponent, either by knock out or direct concession of defeat.

However, unlike the other varieties of fighting, full-contact martial arts sparring has maintained a full variety of permitted attacks and contact zones on the body, excluding a limited number of forbidden techniques like biting, striking of the groin, or attacking the eyes.

These attacks are always prohibited, because these areas of the body remain unprotected, even with proper martial arts sparring gear. Above all else, the sport of martial arts sparring was designed to be safe.

In light or medium contact or full contact sparring, safety comes first. No matter how advanced the participants are they will always wear proper martial arts sparring gear. This is a rule in the most basic guidelines of all martial arts sparring tournaments and exhibitions. Of course, it's most important for beginners to wear their sparring gear. When performed improperly, martial arts sparring can be potentially deadly.

If you are thinking of taking part in any form of martial arts sparring, start off by shopping for top quality sparring gear. An online search will result in lots of companies and Internet suppliers with good quality gear available. The right gear will only help you to achieve the ultimate martial arts sparring experience.